Colon cancer is currently the third most common cancer diagnosis in the United States and the third leading cause of cancer deaths. Colon cancer is difficult to detect and even harder to treat in the later stages. However, there is hope! Screening makes it easy to detect cancer in its early stages or even before it becomes a threat to you. There are also several things you can begin implementing into your life today to help lower your risk for a colon cancer diagnosis. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and as we celebrate those who fought colon cancer bravely, take a moment to consider your own life and how you can prevent this disease from harming your body.

Who is at Risk?

There are two groups of people who are at risk for colon cancer–those that have control over their risk factors and those that don’t. Those that have control, have the opportunity to make changes in their life to lower their risk and potentially prevent a diagnosis. Smoking, diet, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity are included on the list of risk factors for colon cancer. However, making adjustments to your current habits may actually save your life. Smoking causes a number of health issues including colon cancer. Take steps to stop smoking and you may avoid an unwanted diagnosis. If your diet currently includes high fat or highly processed foods with little fiber, then you are at a higher risk for colon cancer. Begin trading out the fast food for fruits and vegetables. A sedentary lifestyle can easily be traded for an active lifestyle if you commit to making exercise a priority. Changes in diet and exercise may also help if you need to manage your weight and live a more healthy life. You might be at risk for colon cancer and not have any control over it.

These risk factors include age, race, genetics, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diabetes. If you have Type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you are already at risk for developing colon cancer. Or, you may have inherited a gene mutation in the form of Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) that may be cancer causing. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps as this puts you at a higher risk. In the United States, African Americans have the highest mortality rate linked to colon cancer. Ashkenazi Jews are at the greatest risk of colon cancer among every nationality in the world. Unfortunately, age is something none of us can avoid. Most colon cancer patients are over the age of 50 which is why doctors highly recommend a colonoscopy at that time. But for those of you who are at a higher risk, screenings can take place before you turn 50. This will give you the greatest chance of catching and defeating colon cancer in its early stages.

Why Should I Be Screened?

Colon cancer is difficult to detect in the early stages without a screening, however, the later that it is discovered, the more harmful and potentially fatal it becomes. Colonoscopies are designed to detect cancer early but also detect the threat of cancer. In a colonoscopy, a small tube with a light and a camera at the end is inserted into your rectum and up to your colon. The camera searches for abnormal growths called polyps. Polyps are not cancerous at first, but if left in the colon for 10 to 15 years, they can become cancerous. If a polyp is found during a colonoscopy, it can easily be removed and biopsied to determine whether or not it is cancerous. This is why regular screening is so important! A polyp can be detected and removed before it becomes detrimental to you. There’s no need to be fearful of any pain, discomfort, or embarrassment that is often associated with a colonoscopy. You are typically asleep due to anesthesia for the thirty minute procedure.

If you are at a high risk for colon cancer or are at least 50 years old, then don’t hesitate to schedule a colonoscopy at Asheville Gastro, a division of Digestive Health Partners. Let the blue ribbons that mark Colon Cancer Awareness Month inspire you to take care of your body and take control over your health. Colon cancer doesn’t have to win the battle if you’re willing to step up and get screened.

Join Us For The Get Your Rear In Gear 5K!

On Saturday, March 24, we are hosting the Get Your Rear In Gear 5k at Carrier Park! The proceeds from the run support the UNC Colon Cancer Screening Initiative to provide colon cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured residents of western North Carolina. It’s a great way to honor someone special who is fighting colon cancer and to remember loved ones who lost their fight. Form a team and get your friends, family, and co-workers to join you!

Did You Know?

The Centers for Disease Control states that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.

In the United States in 2017, there were an estimated 135,430 new cases and 50,260 colorectal cancer related deaths.

With the start of a new year, many people are focusing on self improvement and how they can make some positive changes in their diet, weight, or lifestyle. If you missed the resolution rush in January or fell off the wagon with your New Year’s resolution, 2018 is just beginning, so there is plenty of time to accomplish your goals. There is endless information available on all manners of diets, and it might be confusing for you to try and decide which one is the best. One diet that seems to be rising in popularity over the past several years is a gluten-free diet. If you’re diagnosed by a doctor as having celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, there is certainly a need for that diet. Approximately 1 in 100 people have celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that results in damage to the intestines if you consume even small amounts of gluten. Additionally, research shows that 18 million Americans are thought to have a non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Gluten can can be found in wheat, rye, barley, malt, types of yeast, and certain starches. That means that you can often pinpoint the biggest sources of gluten, like breads, pastas, crackers, cereals, beer, and baked goods. The lesser known offenders may also include energy bars, french fries, candy, soups, salad dressings, soy sauce, or even seasoned meats.

I’ve Never Heard Of Fructan

Gluten can cause very serious damage to anyone who has been diagnosed with celiac disease or even a sensitivity to gluten, but a new study has indicated that self-imposed gluten-free diets might not be the best route. For many, an assumed gluten sensitivity or allergy might bring about bloating, discomfort, and stomach pains after eating foods containing gluten. There is another ingredient, called fructan, that is found in the same type of foods that may be the culprit for those digestive troubles.

Fructan is a carbohydrate that is found in wheat, as well as some veggies. Fructan has recently been thought to be the cause of gastrointestinal issues that can affect some people after eating wheat based foods. A recent study from the University of Oslo in Norway and Monash University in Australia indicated a stronger relationship between consumption of fructan and gastrointestinal distress than when compared to consumption of gluten.

How Was The Study Conducted?

Researchers studied 59 men and women who had made the choice to go gluten-free due to self diagnosed sensitivities. None of the participants had received a diagnosis of celiac disease. The participants were followed for a year and a half while they recorded their reaction to eating various muesli bars in a double blind study. The muesli bars contained either gluten, fructan, or neither of the ingredients. The study participants recorded any reactions on a GSRS-IBS scale, which is used to understand symptoms of IBS. After the study was over, they found that the worst reactions came from the group who were eating the bars containing fructan.

Does That Mean We Should Cut Fructan Instead Of Gluten?

The most important thing we can say about this study is that you should never make modifications to your diet without consulting your doctor if you have been diagnosed with celiac disease or a sensitivity. This study only analyzed those who were self diagnosed. The study is interesting, though, since it changes some of the preconceived notions about what causes gastrointestinal distress after eating bread or other wheat products. If you have any questions about how your body is handling these wheat products, make an appointment with Asheville Gastroenterology Associates, a division of Digestive Health Partners, so we can discuss your health, run any necessary tests, and help you determine what sort of diet modifications may work for you.

This year, when you’re working on your New Year’s resolutions, we have a simple and lifesaving one that everyone who is approaching or has already turned 50 should add to their list. If you haven’t already had a colonoscopy, it’s time to make an appointment for this quick and crucial procedure.

What Is A Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies might have a bad reputation since the subject matter can be uncomfortable and awkward. Thankfully, the exam is quick, relatively painless, and you can be back in the comfort of your own home in a matter of a few hours. A colonoscopy usually takes an hour or less to perform and is conducted right in the doctor’s office. The exam consists of a thin, long, flexible tube being inserted into the rectum. The tube has a light and camera on it, allowing the doctor to examine the inside of your digestive tract, throughout your intestines to the rectum. If an abnormality is detected during the exam, the doctor can take a small sample, send it out for analysis, and determine if it is pre-cancerous or if colon cancer can be detected. These abnormalities typically present themselves as polyps, which are small growths in the tissue of the lining of the colon or rectum. Most of these polyps are benign, but it is possible that they may become cancerous.

Colonoscopies are simple procedures, but it is actually one of the most important tools that we have to detect and begin to treat colorectal cancer. Since this form of cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in both men and women, it’s crucial to detect early. If we can find it early, we can begin treatment and have a higher probability for success. In fact, when found early, colon cancer is over 90% curable.

What Are My Risk Factors For Colon Cancer?

Anyone can get colon cancer, and it’s prevalent in both men and women. There are certain factors like race, ethnicity, or family history which can place you at a higher risk, as well as some lifestyle choices. The factors outside of your control include family history of the disease, other cancers, or other diseases of the digestive tract. Additionally, it’s shown that African American men and women are at a higher risk, and some doctors will recommend testing prior to age 50. Lifestyle choices that place you at a higher risk for the disease include being overweight or obese, having a lack of physical activity, poor diet choices, or alcohol and tobacco use.

The current recommendations for when to begin regular colonoscopies is age 50. As long as the test comes back clear, most patients can wait for another 10 years before they have to get another one. If an abnormality is detected, your doctor will let you know what their recommendations are for further testing. There are few symptoms of early stage colon cancer, meaning that many patients don’t catch it until it’s further developed. Since many of the symptoms of colon cancer are similar to those of other GI diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, it’s important to check with your doctor any time you notice changes in your digestive system.

Asheville Gastroenterology Associates is here to help you better understand colon cancer, how to detect it, and how to treat it. Make an appointment with us today, especially if you’re nearing 50 and have not scheduled a colonoscopy yet.

Your digestive system is one of the most vital systems in your body. If something goes wrong, it is also one of the most disruptive. You have felt the pain of an upset stomach, the discomfort of an unwanted bowel movement, but what if these feelings are constant? What if nausea and diarrhea settle in like a family member? You know the one. The crazy uncle that stays way past his welcome. That’s what IBD may feel like.

If part of your digestive tract becomes chronically inflamed, you may be suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is the headliner for two gastrointestinal diseases that unfortunately, never go away. Those two diseases? Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The more you understand what you’re up against, the easier it will be to prevent your unwanted guest from getting too comfortable.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease can occur when any part of the GI tract is inflamed from the mouth to the rectum, although it is most commonly found at the base of the small intestine. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be progressive over time. Most people are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease before the age of 20, but it can occur at any age. Symptoms include:

Frequent diarrhea

Rectal bleeding

Unexplained weight loss

Loss of appetite

Fever

Abdominal pain and cramping

Fatigue

It is possible to experience seasons of remission where you show no symptoms. However, Crohn’s disease is a lifelong disorder with currently no cure. But don’t let that discourage you. Treatment is completely possible to help reduce the pain and severity of your symptoms and even put the disease into remission. If you, or someone you care for, are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact one of our doctors so that we can put together a treatment plan that is right for you. Usually, medication can help ease your pain and discomfort.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is another form of inflammatory bowel disease that is contained in the large intestine or colon. In this case, the tissue lining of the large intestine becomes so inflamed that ulcers form. This is usually caused due to an abnormality in the immune system and while the symptoms can be treated, there is no cure for UC. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis are similar to that of Crohn’s disease:

Diarrhea

Rectal pain and bleeding

An urgency to defecate, even if you are unable to

Fever

Fatigue

Abdominal pain

Weight loss

Symptoms of UC can range from mild to severe and may change over time. People who have been diagnosed with UC have also experienced seasons of remission.

Causes And Risk Factors Of IBD

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have unknown causes. Doctors are certain that while stress or certain foods may trigger symptoms of IBD, they are not causes. You cannot get IBD from something you ate. Many doctors believe that IBD is a genetic issue. Inherited genes may make you more susceptible to either Crohn’s or UC, so let your doctor know if you have a family history of IBD. While most people diagnosed are the first ones in their family to suffer from this disease, if a blood relative has IBD, there is a 20% chance that you are more likely to be diagnosed. Another risk factor includes your environment. Viruses and bacteria in the environment may be a danger to your body. You are also at a higher risk for IBD if you are white or of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.

These risk factors are not meant to scare you, but make you aware. Inflammatory bowel disease can be painful and embarrassing to live with, but treatment for your symptoms is available. If you experience any of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or have a family history of IBD, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Asheville Gastroenterology Associates. We are committed to finding the best treatment plan for you to keep your symptoms at bay and prevent them from progressing.

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to get in the loop by educating yourself about this serious illness. It doesn’t get the press like some other cancers, but the number of deaths from pancreatic cancer is suspected to surpass breast cancer in the United States this year. It has never been more important to understand this disease and help in the efforts to change these statistics for the better. Start your awareness journey by preparing yourself and knowing the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments.

What Increases My Risk?

There are certain risk factors of pancreatic cancer that are outside your control. If you are between the ages of 60-80 and a male, your risk is higher. A family history of pancreatic cancer leads to a higher chance of pancreatic cancer as well. Although these factors play a part, there are activities within your control that may contribute to your higher risk. These include things like smoking, carrying excessive weight, drinking alcohol regularly, and exposure to carcinogens. Taking steps to address these controllable risk factors will greatly lower your risk of contracting pancreatic cancer and may even outweigh the uncontrollable factors! With info like that, it’s worth the effort, especially if you have one or more uncontrollable factors.

What Are The Symptoms?

Pancreatic cancer symptoms can be somewhat tricky, because they don’t obviously point to the pancreas. In other words, the symptoms that arise because of pancreatic cancer also arise in other conditions. These symptoms include jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes, pale stool, back or stomach pain, unintentional weight loss or poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, and blood clots. Another challenge is that often the symptoms don’t show up until the cancer has spread throughout the pancreas or into other organs. This makes it even more crucial that you understand the warning signs and not ignore them, even if you suspect it might be something minor. Visit your doctor; sure, it might be nothing, but in the worst case scenario, if the symptoms do point to pancreatic cancer, you’ll be glad you did.

Is Pancreatic Cancer Treatable?

Pancreatic cancer is treatable, and the earlier it is diagnosed, the higher the chances of a successful treatment. If you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, there are various options available. Surgery to remove the tumor or tumors is one option and depends on the location of the tumors and the ability for the doctor to reach it. Your doctor may suggest a procedure that aims to destroy the tumors themselves rather than removing them. Most likely radiation and chemotherapy will be used in addition to a surgical procedure to treat the cancer and prevent recurrence. In making the decision on which treatment option or combination of treatments will be best, your doctor will assess the stage of your condition, the likelihood of success with each treatment, and your medical history.

Who Do I Go To For Help?

If you do start to exhibit symptoms that look like they might point to pancreatic cancer, visit a gastroenterologist right away. Gastroenterologists deal with disorders in the digestive system and have the ability to conduct diagnostic testing and procedures to accurately identify and treat pancreatic cancer. Because of the difficulty presented by the location of the pancreas, some treatments of pancreatic cancer can cause other complications like bleeding, pancreatitis, or gut perforation—all of which a gastroenterologist is uniquely qualified to handle. If you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, your gastroenterologist will likely continue to work closely with an oncologist in creating and implementing a smart, effective treatment plan.

Pancreatic cancer is a scary topic, but having knowledge of a disease takes some of the fear out of it. For further information, or if you are concerned about symptoms, make an appointment with Asheville Gastro today. We can discuss your personal risk factors to help with a plan for prevention, or we can look at any symptoms and assess if there is cause for concern or further action. Let us be part of increasing your awareness this November!

We are excited to announce that in addition to our 191 Biltmore location, we are now seeing patients at our south location. This office is located at 15 Turtle Creek Drive off of Hendersonville Road. For those patients with an appointment at the Turtle Creek location, directions to our new south office are below for your convenience.

Asheville Gastroenterology is not part of Mission Health systems, but remains an independent practice which continues to have insurance coverage for our BCBS of North Carolina patients. Due to contractual issues yet to be resolved between Mission Health Systems and BCBS of North Carolina, you may wonder about your options for continuity of care with Mission Health Systems. If you anticipate that you may require continuing care from Mission in the future, you may be able to complete a BCBS of North Carolina continuity of care form.

To check and see if your current care plan is covered after October 5, you may call Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina at (800) 446-8053 to ask about Continuity of Care benefits. Mission Health also offers assistance by calling their Continuity of Care Concierge Service at (828) 412-6363, 8am-8pm, Monday-Friday. Patients must apply for Continuity of Care benefits no later than Sunday, November 19, 2017 (Saturday, December 9, 2017 for Federal Employees). Applications sent after these dates will be denied by BCBS North Carolina.

Asheville Gastroenterology (a division of Digestive Health Partners, PA) is an independent practice, so BCBS North Carolina coverage is not affected by the contract between Mission Health and BCBS of North Carolina. For patients obtaining their care through any of our offices or our Endoscopy Center, there is no change in insurance coverage.

There are many risk factors related to colorectal cancer. Some, like genetic predisposition, are outside of your control, but one risk factor you can control is a high-fat diet. The connection between a high-fat diet and colorectal cancer can’t be denied.

The Facts

The amount of fat in your diet is directly related to your risk of getting colon or rectal cancer. If you have a high-fat, low-fiber diet, your chances of getting colorectal cancer are significantly higher than someone with a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Research shows that 80% of the time a poor diet is connected to a colon or rectal cancer.

A high-fat diet also includes a lot of trans and saturated fats. These fats are found in foods such as red meats, cookies, chips, doughnuts, and fried foods. Fried foods, although pleasing for your taste buds, are not friendly to the rest of your body. If you’re cholesterol is high and your doctor tells you about it at every appointment, you might have a diet with too many fats.

What You Can Change

When you make healthy changes to your diet, your risk of colon cancer goes down. Even if you’ve had a high-fat diet in the past, you can make simple changes to improve your health. By consuming less fast food and more fruits, vegetables, and a moderate amount of
low-fat, animal based food (like fish and poultry), you will reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Exercise, alongside those diet changes, will lower your risk even further. Lessening junk food consumption and increasing vegetable intake will decrease your chances of developing colon or rectal cancer. There’s a reason your mother told you to eat your vegetables!

Here at Asheville Gastro, we care about your health. If you are worried about your high-fat
consumption, schedule an appointment with us today. We want to help you stay healthy and live a full, happy life.

Whether or not you know it, there is always a risk of colorectal cancer. The American diet brings tastier foods into our diets that are not as beneficial to our health. Our diet may play a part in the increase of cases and deaths in people under age fifty due to colorectal cancer. Colon cancer isn’t an “older person’s disease” anymore. It is vital to know what symptoms and warning signs to look for no matter your age.

Why An Increase?

In the last ten years, doctors have noticed an increase in deaths because of early onset colorectal cancer in people around the age of 50. A study by the American Cancer Society found that the number of deaths among younger Americans due to colorectal cancer have increased by one percent each year from 2004 to 2014. The increase does not necessarily come from younger people being screened earlier, but from an actual increase in the occurrence of the disease. Although researchers are still unclear, some believe inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) could be a factor. It is crucial to know the symptoms of colorectal cancer and to speak with your doctor about when you should schedule your first screening.

What Should I Look For?

The recommendation for those with average risk is to begin colon cancer screening at age 50. However, you shouldn’t dismiss symptoms even if you are younger. These symptoms include a change in bowel habits that lasts longer than four weeks, rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, persistent abdominal discomfort like cramps, gas, or pain, feeling like your bowel doesn’t completely empty, weakness or fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should discuss them with a physician at Asheville Gastro.

Am I At Risk?

There are some risk factors you cannot change such as a family history of colon cancer, your age, or your ethnic background. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any family history of colon polyps or cancer. Other risk factors are due to lifestyle choices. These can be modified, and you can start making healthier choices today.

If you are overweight or obese, even losing ten percent of your body weight can reduce your risk of colon cancer. A sedentary lifestyle is also a risk factor, so get active! Even if you have little to no physical activity in your life now, you can begin walking 15-30 minutes several times a week. Pay attention to your diet. Consuming too much red or processed meat has been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer, but a diet high in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains can actually lower your risk. Not surprisingly, smoking and heavy alcohol consumption also raise your chances of developing colon cancer. Aim for no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women, and if you need to stop the smoking habit, the American Cancer Society is a great place to start.

What Should I Do?

If you are age 50 or above and have never had a colorectal cancer screening, now is the time! Make an appointment at Asheville Gastro and don’t put your health at risk any longer. If you have a family history of colon cancer, talk with your doctor to determine the right time for your first screening. The doctors at Asheville Gastro are committed to providing the highest quality of care for you and your family.